Kalin added that the canines' achievements behind the wheel shows "just how much potential all dogs from the SPCA have as family pets."

All the new drivers are shelter dogs: Monty, an 18-month Giant Schnauzer, was given to the SPCA when he became too much for his owner to handle. Ginny, a 1-year-old whippets cross, was rescued from an abusive home. Porter, a 10-month old Beardie cross, was abandoned on the streets.

The dogs trained for several weeks before hopping into a real car, modified to accommodate the unique needs of a canine driver.

So far, the animals have driven only with some human guidance, in the form of verbal commands and the occasional steering wheel readjustment.